Final answer:
Peter's relationship with Mattie is nuanced and multifaceted, reflecting various degrees of understanding, shared experiences, and connections that parallel themes of freedom and captivity as expressed in their interactions with others and with birds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The inference about Peter's relationship with Mattie across the different contexts suggests a multifaceted connection. In some instances, like in The Kingfisher's Tale and the reference to Peter and Christ, Peter displays confusion or disbelief, which could reflect a lack of understanding or a deep questioning of circumstances.
However, in other cases, such as when Peter is mentioned alongside Wendy and implied childhood innocence, the relationship seems more rooted in familial bonds and shared experiences, such as enjoying strawberry ice-cream and hot dogs after a pleasant helicopter ride.
Furthermore, the comparison between human relationships and the interactions with birds throughout the texts hints at themes like freedom, captivity, and natural instinct versus learned behaviors. This mingles with the overarching relationship dynamics, revealing nuances in Peter's interactions with others, whether it be Mattie, other characters, or creatures of different species.